Sumitomo to launch ‘fossil fuel free’ tyre

Sumitomo is poised to launch a “fossil fuel-free tyre” in the next six months. According to the Japanese company’s senior executive officer, Kozaburo Nakaseko, Sumitomo plans to launch a tyre mixing “epoxidized natural rubber” with a more highly refined rubber product.

Sumitomo, to some extent inspired by the Japanese tyre labeling regulations, is using ENR technologies to produce its 100% fossil fuel-free tyre.

Also new in this tyre will be the use of “ultra-pure natural rubber technology,” which is the manufacturer’s solution to increasing longevity, and therefore reducing raw materials consumption.

The natural rubber is highly purified to enhance the interaction of the natural rubber and carbon black, which helps to increase tread life.

Nakaseko was speaking at the International Rubber Research and Development Board’s International Rubber Conference. This year the conference focused on rubber technologies helping to create the next wave of green tyres

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Jim McGill is an award-winning motoring and motorsport journalist with more than 25 years' industry experience. He contributes to a number of newspapers and magazines, including The Times, Telegraph, Daily Mail, Scotsman, Sunday Herald and AA Magazine.